88 Members of the European Parliament addressed an open letter of support to Wallonia

88 Progressive Members of the European Parliament coming from four different political groups addressed an open letter of support to Wallonia in its refusal to give its consent for the signature of CETA. This letter underlines the need for informed and controversial debate in the face of a profound democratic crisis and calls for all responsible politicians to heed the concerns raised by civil society. It has been published in a French and in a German media:

To the attention of Mr Minister-President of Wallonia, Paul MAGNETTE, Mr Minister-President of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels, Rudy DEMOTTE, of the President of the Parliament of Wallonia, André ANTOINE, and President of the Parliament of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels, Philippe COURARD.
Dear Minister-Presidents, Dear Presidents,

As progressive Members of the European Parliament, we would like to express our full support for your opposition to CETA.
This agreement has been negotiated behind closed doors without the consultation of elected representatives and raises many democratic issues. Beyond the serious concerns you raised about this free-trade agreement, you clearly identified the need for transparency at the heart of the decision-making process. We have repeatedly conveyed similar objections through our parliamentary activities. Indeed, what is at stake in CETA goes beyond a simple technical agreement on liberalisation of goods and services: it is about our social and environmental norms, the regulatory capacity of public authorities and the independence of our justice.
In challenging the ultimatum imposed by the European Commission and the various threats of recent days, you have struck a blow for democratic vitality. Everywhere, voices are getting louder and calling for reason. However, reason cannot exist without thorough and informed debate. What purpose does democracy serve, if decisions are made in advance?
In the face of a profound democratic crisis, your position and political courage are exemplary. All responsible politicians must heed the concerns raised by civil society because a democracy isolated from a vigorous civil society and without accountable political representatives is a democracy lacking in substance.